Hair loss, be it seasonal shedding, postpartum hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is incredibly discouraging, which may explain why the market is packed with products that have big (but often empty) promises. But using minoxidil for hair growth is one of the few thin-hair solutions that has the science to back up its efficacy, which is why it continues to be a mainstay for thinning hair.
When it comes to hair growth, minoxidil is in a league of its own. It “remains the benchmark for over-the-counter hair-loss treatments because it has one of the strongest evidence bases of any topical hair-growth ingredient,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Studies have consistently shown that it can slow hair loss and stimulate new growth in both men and women with hereditary pattern hair loss, making it one of the best-supported non-prescription treatments available.”
Not only that, but minoxidil is approved by the FDA for certain types of pattern hair loss, which sets it apart from shampoos, serums, and supplements—which might have promising data behind them, but not the same level of regulatory review, she says. Plus, minoxidil is fairly easy to get and use: “Bonus points: It is accessible and affordable,” says Sandra Oska, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.
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The impact of minoxidil is so profound that it’s the standard that other, newer hair-loss therapies, like exosomes and peptides, are compared to, according to Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Here’s what to know about this incomparable ingredient.
The benefits of minoxidil for hair growth
Minoxidil helps with hair growth—which is true, but it’s a little simplistic. Part of the appeal of minoxidil “is its ability to target multiple aspects of hair loss rather than a single pathway,” says Dr. Castilla.
For one, it can prolong the hair’s growth phase. While the exact mechanism isn’t entirely understood, “it’s thought to prolong the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, transitioning follicles from the resting (telogen) phase into the growth phase,” says Dr. Shah. That means your hair prioritizes growing over shedding.
It can also bulk up hair follicles. Follicle miniaturization (which happens in male- and female-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia) describes when hormones actually shrink the hair follicles, so the hairs grow thinner and shorter. Minoxidil reverses this, making hair follicles larger again. It also can “increase blood flow around the hair follicles through vasodilation,” says Dr. Shah. “The overall result is that more follicles remain actively growing hair, and some previously thinning hairs become thicker.”
For that reason, minoxidil tends to be most helpful with androgenetic alopecia, which usually looks like gradual thinning at the crown or around the hairline. But it can also benefit others. “In some situations, I recommend it to patients to help support regrowth after a shedding event, provided the underlying cause is also being addressed,” says Dr. Oska. For example, if you’re seeing stress-related shedding after a major life event, you can try minoxidil to help with regrowth—assuming the trigger has been resolved.
The downsides of minoxidil for hair growth
There aren’t many downsides of minoxidil for hair growth, although it can have some mild side effects like scalp irritation, itchiness, dryness or flaking, redness, and burning or stinging, per Dr. Shah. That’s because “some formulations contain propylene glycol, which can cause irritation,” she explains.
Another drawback? You might notice more shedding when you first start using minoxidil. “This can happen because older hairs are shed as follicles transition into a new growth cycle,” says Dr. Shah. “While it can be concerning, it’s often temporary.”
And finally, it’s possible to see hair growth in areas other than your scalp—but that only really occurs if you repeatedly touch your face (or some other skin) when you’re applying it.
Katrin Bolovtsova
How to use minoxidil for hair growth
First, start minoxidil as soon as you notice shedding or hair loss, since it works best if you start it before significant follicle miniaturization has happened. “Hair-loss treatments are much better at keeping the hair on your head versus growing new hair,” says Dr. Castilla. “In addition, further into the hair-loss process, hair follicles become less responsive to treatment.” Not only that, but most people will start to see a difference only after four to six months of using it, so the sooner the better.
Related: Collagen or Biotin: Which one is better for hair growth?
Also, get ready to make it a permanent part of your routine. “Consistency is the cornerstone of treatment, and patients who benefit most are those willing to use it on a daily basis,” says Dr. Oska. On that note: You only see benefits so long as you use it. So if you’re dealing with hereditary hair loss, which is permanent, then you’ll have to use minoxidil forever to keep your hair from budging.
The best minoxidil for hair growth
It’s hard to talk about minoxidil without mentioning Rogaine. “The foam is easy to apply, dries relatively quickly, and is often better tolerated by people with sensitive scalps because it typically doesn’t contain propylene glycol,” says Dr. Shah. (Foam formulations in general are often free of propylene glycol, which makes them a good bet.) Plus, adds Dr. Oska, “there is less risk of the product running down the back of the neck or the forehead.” Virtue’s version is free of propylene glycol, making it gentler, but it also pairs minoxidil with the brand’s proprietary protein that helps repair and restore hair.
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Minoxidil comes over-the-counter in both 2% and 5% concentrations. Most experts go straight for the 5% because the higher concentration simply works better, but 2% could be preferable if you have a very sensitive scalp and experience irritation with the 5%. Keranique’s version comes with a precision applicator that allows you to bypass strands and spray the formula directly onto your scalp, while Amazon’s generic version comes with a dropper. Worth noting: You need to apply the 2% formulas twice a day, instead of once daily with the 5%.
Minoxidil can also be compounded in strengths above 5%. Although there’s not a lot of evidence showing that they work better than the 5% alone, “depending on the situation, a dermatologist may prescribe low dose oral minoxidil (used off-label in appropriate patients), other prescription medications tailored to the cause of hair loss, or combination treatments rather than simply increasing the topical concentration,” says Dr. Shah.
Musely’s compounded solution can compound up to 8% minoxidil with dutasteride (which works for male-pattern hair loss), spironolactone (which helps slow follicle miniaturization in women), and ketoconazole (which can reduce scalp inflammation). With the Curology Hair FormulaRx Personalized Growth Treatment, you might get minoxidil with finasteride (which controls hormones involved in hair loss), spironolactone, and caffeine (which stimulates the hair follicles).